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Temple Thieves

by David T. Simmons  
2/26/2008 / Teen Issues

It was not uncommon, in ancient times, to find guards keeping watch over temples. This was because money, jewels, and other such precious items were placed there for use in the worship of the god for whom the temple was built.

I Corinthians 3:16 reminds us that we, as believers, as temples of God and that His Spirit dwells within each of us, as proof of that fact. Also, there are things that He, in His sovereignty, has placed within us, as well. Gifts, talents, and spiritual fruit, all for the purpose of fulfilling our destinies in keeping with His plan`for the ages. This is why as we must always keep in mind the fact that our lives are not our own, but God's. Now, what does this have to do with sex? Well, first let me say that it's natural, normal something that God created. But, (and there is a but) there are guideline that must be followed in order to receive the intended blessings of the most intimate act.

Sex is more than just a body thing; it is a spirit, soul and body thing in that order. It is meant to be a gift, given to a man or woman after they have entered into the covenant of marriage. It is a seal that makes that covenant a binding one.

Our culture is loaded with images that scream, "Just do it." The pressures that come through various mediums are tremendous. In addition, our government offers information on "safe methods" that further encourages us to be sexually active. But, they seldom tell you the consequences.

God's will for singles is celibacy; you know, virginity, until you've found someone who meets the scriptural criteria, as set forth in His Word, and you've exchanged rings on your wedding date. Space constraints don't allow me to go into as much detail as I would like, but this is what I'd like to leave with you for now.

To both my brothers and sisters in Christ, the guy or girl you're going out with now is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, they are your brother/sister in Christ. Thirdly, more than likely they are not the guy or girl you will ultimately marry, which means they will be`someone else's husband`or wife. If you keep this in mind you won't become a temple thief. Remember, both of you should respect and protect each other. Don't pressure or put demands on one another to have sex before marriage. You could alter someone's destiny, emotionally hurt him or her, or place the person in spiritual danger. Instead, be a temple guardian to one another so that when marriage does happen, there will be a grateful husband or wife that will have you to thank for not stealing the gift that was meant for them and them alone.

Finally, fornication has consequences. A condom can't protect you from the guilt of the act, or the loss of your testimony. Neither can it protect you from the hurt of someone who just wanted to "hit it" and then tell their friends. And let us not fail to mention accidental pregnancy, abortion, AIDS, Chlamydia and other such sexually transmitted diseases. A few stolen moments aren't worth the long-term pain. Do it God's way; after all, Father knows best

David T. Simmons is the senior pastor of Ambassador Pentecostal Churches In Christ Intl. and the founder of Living in The Word Ministries, a dynamic multimedia teaching ministry. You can contact him at [email protected].

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